"When I grow up..."

Teddy and I have lots of interesting talks as we drive along. Yesterday, as we left the shop, he was looking around and checking out vehicles that were in the parking lot and driving next to us.

"Mom, I am going to get a dune buggy, have a motorcycle, a big, red truck, and car." Wow, son, how are you going to pay for all that? You are going to have to have a good job! "I am going to open a lemonade stand and people can pay lots of money and get lemonade or ice water, if they want." Well, how are you going to drive all those things? "I will just choose a different one each day to drive."

A Drive Home

Last night, as we were driving home from the overnight at the lakehouse, I was in awe of the beautiful sunset. Don't worry the light had just turned green and the car in front wasn't in any hurry to go!!!
Meanwhile, the kids were yelling about all the birds that were gathered "for miles" on the wires and poles and trees all along the road we were traveling...I couldn't get a picture of all of them...it was incredible...I have never seen them gather like that! The kids were convinced they had gathered for church! We had discussed if we were going to church and why not and etc. I guess they felt better by having the birds attend when we were not...and yes, it made me feel bad until I had another coughing spell and figured I would have been more of a distraction! Ugh!
We listened to the noise from the birds and figured they were singing the invitation song...the clock showed that church was almost over...well, at our church anyway!

An Encouraging Weekend

We packed up, grabbed lunch, and headed to Camp Joy early to set out the decorations for our ladies retreat. It was a beautiful day and the fellowship sweet! Angie and I got everything set up and had time to sit by the lake and relax. It was so fun to see all the hard work "come together" and compliment what was already in place at camp. It is a lovely place and everyone that works there is so kind and helpful. My heart was full before the gathering had even begun!
This is the scene from our room early Saturday morning...peaceful, calm, quiet...refreshing! Then the geese flew by...the hair-dryers started...and breakfast was served! With a good cup of coffee or two...since it was a late night (or rather early morning)!
Claudia Barba was our speaker and she was a blessing to me! Her key verse was II Corinthians 5:15, "And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again." She challenged us...that if we have been born again...we ought not to be living unto our selves...and if that is the case...then "What does a woman's schedule, heart, home, face, etc. look like, if she is living for the One who died to redeem her?"
I am thankful that I was able to go and be challenged by God's Word once again...away from home and responsibilities...with other women who have the same or some of the same responsibilities that I have. I did not have to worry or call home for any reason...because I knew my children were being cared for by a capable and loving Daddy and auntie. I was able to focus on my heart condition and deal with my attitudes and weaknesses, so I could come home and step into "my role" that God has given me and be able to do it better than what I was doing it! I don't have to be a frantic and frazzled wife and mother...as long as I am living unto Him and not unto myself! I am the one who clutters up my heart, mind, home, schedule...often with things that are not even part of God's will! What a rebuke for me! I don't always ask the Lord if this or that is something He would want me to have or do! Often...I just do it because I have the ability or I feel I should do it or feel guilty if I don't!
Yes...there is going to be some decluttering going on in this Mom's mind, heart, and living space. I don't want to be so consumed by "the stuff..." that I forget what matters most!

The trouble with girls...

is that sometimes they are very picky about certain things! This morning was no exception to that statement! Ashlynn was having difficulty with her shirt sleeves...they were too tight on her arms...but we stretched them...and she was still at odds. I tried to "lighten her mood" by telling her that there are things that will always be uncomfortable to the female race..."what are you going to do when you have to wear a bra?" She looked at me with disdain and said, "Alisa and I are living in an apartment when we get older and we will not wear bras!"
I just looked at her...hmmm...is it really true about every moment being a teachable moment? I really think some are not worth the extra effort and struggle at 7:00 a.m. when you are in the second grade!
"We'll talk about this when you are older...for now you will wear this shirt...and next time Mommy tells you to lay out your shirt...maybe you will do it!"

Happy Weekend!

We are enjoying the fruits of one family's labor! MMM...fresh apples and pears...Have a wonderful weekend!

What do you use to catch a cold? How big is a germ? What makes a throat sore?

Why do you always get sick when there is something big going on in your life? Let's just say it is a good thing I have everything together already for this weekend...it's time for some strong medicine and a nap...wonder if I can sleep it off before the school run!?

"We need to tell Aunt Mari that she has good recipes!"

Last week called for a night of comfort food...chicken with homemade noodles over mashed potatoes...just like Mari has served. I roasted the chicken, removed the meat, made stock from the bones, made the noodles (Taste of Home's recipe), and mashed the potatoes. Then had to "coax" the kids to eat...Teddy ended up in his room and fell asleep till 6:30 the next morning, Ted was very late that night, and the girls finally took a bite after I told them "it was Aunt Mari's recipe and their cousins eat it"! They both said "it is very good and we need to tell Aunt Mari that she has good recipes!" You would think my skills in the kitchen are less than desirable to hear my children...it all depends on what day it is and what their moods are...cause sometimes...I am a "good cooker"! sigh!

All I Need Is A Nap!

My new secret pal gave me a book and chocolate...and all I need to do is find my blanket and lay down for a good nap! Yesterday was a long day...we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our church. It was a good day...but a long day. This morning was the school fundraiser at a forest preserve. When we were done we could leave...early!!! We cooled off at DQ and are chilling out this afternoon! Ooops...still have a little homework too!

From the peanut gallery...

"I won't even ask what you are working on down there!" stated Ted after coming up from the basement.

"What did you learn today at school, son?" "Nothing...my teacher keeps forgetting to teach us. Hey, Mom, we listened to a story, we had to write letters, we had Music, we colored a picture, we..." listed Teddy.

"Mom, can I sleep in tomorrow? I'm tired!" requested Alisa.

"It's been a long day and I am tired and don't feel good...I am ready for bed!" whined this mother. "But, Mom, it is only 50 8 and you said we could have dessert!" whined Ashlynn.
"Ok...second grader...first of all, it is 7:50 p.m. (or ten till eight) and secondly, I didn't say you could have dessert...I said we would see!"

Here are some of the bits and pieces that have been gathered, borrowed, or saved from their certain demise!

Add some bright colored fall flowers from the church flower closet and pretty material and it all is coming together! How do you spell relief? Five boxes of retreat decor sitting on the kitchen floor!

What is she digging out of the garbage now?

An old screen from a door or window that is light-weight...hmmm...
Take some flowers that I already have...
Add to a wreath that I already have...
And a sign I have...and I will come up with another decoration for the ladies retreat to prop up where ladies will check in...stay tuned for the finished product! Can I say...I love the inspiration from my BH & G, Midwest Living, and ME Home magazines!!!

In observance of the autumnal equinox...

we are enjoying homemade carmel corn for a snack! Just as the squirrels and chipmunks fill their cheeks with tasty morsels...so are we! Have a crunchy day...only 5 days till it is officially autumn!

How do you make your breath fresh?

MMM...this is one that I like...and I am not sharing any of the recommended 3.5 serving size!

Weekend Forecast...Rain...Then Came The Ike Remnants

We went to the lakehouse for the weekend...RAIN...so what are we to do?
Stay inside all weekend...watch movies, play playdough, bake an apple pie, read a book, sleep, eat, watch for clearing skies...
decide to take a trip to a Wisconsin mall to visit a Build-A-Bear store and spend gift cards from Christmas! Yep...we saved them for a rainy day and we are glad we did!

Name...a name...hmmmm.
Can you guess what type of animals live with us now?

So many choices...too little time...oh, wait...we have lots of time!
Stuffing...
Giving a heart full of specials touches to sew inside... Bathtime...or de-fuzzing time...
This was a fun store to come to! The animals are so cute and cuddly...I can see how you can let a child go crazy in here! But...we didn't realize there are all kinds of extra things you can add on to customize your animal even more and decided it would be wise to wait and be thankful for the animal we got to choose with our cards! Thank you for the fun experience, Uncle Sean and Aunt Becky!

So there will be more decisions...too many decisions...and more fun to look forward to...Next time!? Right, Daddy! (Kids and decisions...it is a good practice in patience!)

Finding Refuge Under His Wings

Ted and I needed to take time out this morning to take a drive and just be together. There are times as a business owner/manager that are not fun...and sometimes turn dangerous. God is good to hear a wife's daily petition for her husband! I am thankful that I can "help" in that way!
What a challenge for me to be faithful in praying for my husband...daily, hourly, by the minute, and even seconds sometimes!
We headed out to a park in our area and sat by the lake...watching the clouds, fishermen, birds, and jumping fish. It was calming to our spirits and I sat and thanked the Lord for His watch care over His children! Today's Key for Kids was just that...Psalm 91:4..."under His wings shalt thou trust."

Let's Review!

Every morning we read "Keys for Kids" for our devotions. Each day has been a perfect challenge for ALL of us! We like the simple "Key" that we can refer to throughout the day...week...etc. Today, we read the verse, Ephesians 6:11, and the key "Wear God's Armor"...and then story...about a little boy who played football. He brought all his protective gear home and was talking about each piece with his parents. Each piece had a special way it protected him when he played. Without the pieces, his coach did not allow him to play.
We always ask the kids questions and today, we asked if they remembered the pieces of armor that the verses listed. "Helmet and Sword"(Ashlynn), "Teeth guard"(Teddy), and "Protecting shoes!"(Alisa) Um...maybe we will take time to go over the verse part again! Their answers re-started our day out with a smile after a big discipline issue in which two children had to have their behavior modified...that is always a bad way to start a day! Daddy used the devotion to remind them..."the armor of God protects us and helps us to do right and fight the enemy. When we do wrong...it hurts...us and others!" We are thankful for the "re-starts" we have because of God's forgiveness!

Homework goes quickly when Alisa speed reads!

Happy Birthday to a fellow in yellow!

Today is my Daddy's birthday! He and I share a love of good food...and free-style cooking! Dad...you have taught me many things through the years and I appreciate the lessons! Even the latest one...about cutting the roast across the grain...we make a great team and I look forward to more lessons...in and out of the kitchen! Love you!

Our fine furry friend

While Teddy and I were eating lunch yesterday, we had a visitor who helped himself to my neighbor's weeds that are overtaking my plants on the other side of the fence! For once, I am glad this little guy is on the fence...eat away, furry friend, eat away!
He has been busy...stripped all the leaves off this mini tree and has started on the tender branches! I am starting to believe that the Farmer's Almanac is telling the truth about a rough winter!

It is crisp and cool...

45 degrees this morning! Perfect day for baking cookies...enjoying the second cup of coffee...reveling in the heavenly scent of my apple candle...while listening to news...
The local morning show is always full of interesting tidbits! Today they are telling us that this winter will be snowy and "numbing cold". Last year, we had a record snow fall! Ah...let's just enjoy the autumn season and not think about what follows! They just reminded the viewers "this is according to the old farmer's almanac...and they are never wrong!" sigh

This & That

Finished favors for the the retreat...an International hot drink packet...mmm, mocha for me!
Saturday morning...we had a wedding with Alisa officiating. Teddy was the groom, Ashlynn was the bridesmaid, and the doll was the bride...which was a good thing as she hung from her hair and arm..."You don't do that to your bride...you love her" said Ashlynn. "Ok, ok, Teddy...do you take this bride?" "Yes", replied the groom. "NO...it's I do! You have to do it right", stated the minister of the hour. I was listening to them and thinking..."why, how, where...?" Then it hit me...we have watched "Father of the Bride" recently. It reminded me of when Mari and I would play church...bathrobe, pulpit, and all!

Letting go...

seems to be the theme these days! I watched Ted help Teddy as he ventured out on his bike with no training wheels. His buddies have been riding without training wheels and Teddy was ready "to join the guys"! They were there to cheer him on as Ted held on to Teddy making sure he was getting his balance...after a few passes and a winded Daddy...Teddy was off! I think the whole scenario lasted 45 minutes till he was "racing down" the sidewalk. He was working hard and was exhausted by the end of the evening. I watched with a gasp on the edge of my lips...waiting for the impending wipe-out...I know it will be nasty and hurt when it happens...but that is part of letting go...being there after the fall to wipe away the tears! Yep...it was a lesson in letting go for me as I watched our son accomplish another milestone!

Friday...the end of the week, the start of the weekend...

enjoying the last few moments of quiet before the kids come home. Can I say...I like being home amid the quietness of the week? I have gotten some cleaning and rearranging done and I am ready to put out fall decor. The retreat projects are coming along nicely! Last night, two friends from church came and we finished the favors for the dininghall tables. I love the little touches that make events more special...little things do matter!

Signs of fall's approach...

*naps

*temperature drops of 30 degrees as the remnants of Gustav move in
*a dark house that needs a cozy light on while the rain drums on the roof
*yummy smelling candles
*desire to bake...mmm, brownies
*late night speeches from the RNC
*coffee pot that stays on most of the day
*comfort suppers from the slow-cooker
*warm slippers
*homework nights
*fuzzy blankets

What do I do to keep busy while the kids are all at school?

Housework...um, not now...I am playing! I am working on plans for our ladies retreat...table decorations for 13-17 tables that are simple and done ahead! The plans have been in my head and on paper for months. I have been finding neat stuff at Goodwill, Salvation Army, and various thrift stores/garage sales/antique stores...but only spending $1.50 or $.49 on things...put it all together with flowers we have at church and fabric I will use for something else and we are good to go! Now is the time to pull it all together...the retreat is in three weeks!


I was excited about the little chalkboard and old picture frame that will add to our "coffee house decor". And even more excited about spools of ribbon in our church flower room! There is always someone who picks up or donates items...they may sit for years before someone comes along...and "tada!" we can use them! So I will still hold to the saying, "One woman's trash...is another's treasure!" Call me thrifty, frugal, or cheap...stay tuned for the end products!

Saying goodbye to summer...

and we're back! We had a wonderful weekend and ended it by tubing this afternoon. I have pictures to prove this Mom is not a party-pooper!!! We are all sporting sun-kissed bodies and the kids are passed out for the night...fresh air makes a body hungry and tired! Back to our new routine! We'll have a large pot of Tim Horton's brewing in the morning!!!